Method and launching apparatus for protection of an object against a threat, in particular a missile, as well as munition

ABSTRACT

The present invention separates, absolutely, the functions of camouflage and jamming. This allows the use of a small-caliber munition ( 4 ) that exclusively deploys jammers ( 6 ). These jammers ( 6 ), or munitions ( 4 ), are preferably fired vertically upwards or laterally from the vehicle (object  9 ) to be protected. For this purpose, the launch barrels ( 2 ) are fitted and aligned vertically on the vehicle or the object ( 9 ) to be protected. An adequate light flash ( 8 ) is produced in the relevant spectrum by initiation of a pyrotechnic charge, with the initiation clocked in time and arranged offset in height, and with the light flash ( 8 ) interfering with the aiming mechanism of the approaching warhead. Alternatively, different heights of the break-up flashes can be generated above and/or to the side of the object ( 9 ) by a plurality of munitions ( 4 ).

This is a National Phase Application in the United States of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2008/004858 filed Jun. 17, 2008, which claims priority on German Patent Application No. DE 10 2007 032 112.2, filed Jul. 9, 2007. The entire disclosures of the above patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a method and launching apparatus for protection of an object against a threat, in particular a missile, as well as munition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

So-called “jamming” (interference sources) is used, for example, to divert anti-tank guided missiles by means of deployed jammers. Signatures are produced which correspond to the motor of the enemy rockets. The motor is continuously measured in order to control the rockets from the launching apparatus, and the deviation from the expected flight path is carried out by correction of the rockets. This guidance mechanism is influenced by additional signatures. The rockets are deflected from the flight path.

Jamming can be carried out optically or pyrotechnically. One optical variant is the generation of light flashes by means of a stroboscopic lamp, which is fitted in a stationary position on the vehicle. One pyrotechnic variant is pyrotechnic burning in the relevant spectral band by means of a pyrotechnic flare, similar to a Bengal flare.

When pyrotechnic solutions are present in the munition, the jamming is produced by the same munition that is also used to produce the visual blockade (smoke). Light flashes are generated by means of an appropriate break-up charge, integrated in the smoke munition (DE 38 35 887 C2; DE 28 42 797 C2; DE 10 2005 020 159 A1).

DE 10 2005 054 275 A1 describes a self-defence installation for combat vehicles, or other objects to be protected. The launch system of the self-defence installation is, in this case, fitted primarily with a pyrotechnic munition, in which irritation bodies are included which, immediately after release, produce a powerful light flash and/or smoke. A smoke munition is added to the irritation bodies, for this purpose.

EP 0 512 202 A2 discloses a method for protection of objects which emit IR radiation, in which, after the missile has been located, a large-area pyrotechnic jamming radiation cloud is produced between the missile and the objet, which cloud, first of all, briefly emits powerful infrared radiation, which itself interferes with the lock-on and tracking electronics of the homing head. This jamming radiation cloud then emits weak infrared radiation for a comparatively long time. Only after this are a plurality of spoof target clouds created, which deflect the missile step-by-step away from the object to be protected.

The disadvantages of the optical solutions are the high level of technical complexity, the heavy weight, and the long firing chain before they become effective. In the case of pyrotechnic solutions, it has been found that, because of the relatively large munition caliber, it is possible to store and to carry in the vehicle only ammunition for a few missions. Furthermore, the munition is heavy. Furthermore, the ammunition consumption is high because of the normal false-alarm rate.

Conventionally, the munition is fired in the threat direction. This generally depends on alignment of the munition launching installation (DE 10 2005 020 177 A1), which can result in a time delay. A plurality of installations are often necessary in order to allow all threat directions to be covered at the same time (DE 10 2005 054 275 A1).

Known munition launch installations frequently require a large amount of space and are often difficult to integrate, in particular, in vehicles.

A further disadvantage is the munition itself. The functions of jamming and camouflage, for example by means of smoke, are in general always deployed together by this munition. However, smoke in particular is not always desirable since it can impede one's own view.

The present invention is based on the object of improved jamming associated with an improved integration capability, by saving weight in the launch installation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object is achieved by the features of a method, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, for protection of an object (9) against a threat, in particular a missile, by interference, wherein one or more sub-munitions (6) or jammers is, or are, deployed directly or by means of a munition (4) vertically and/or sideways with respect to the object (9) from a launching apparatus (1), wherein sub-clocking is carried out electronically in order to release the individual sub-munitions (6) and, associated with this, the light flashes (8), as a result of which at least one light flash (8) is produced in the relevant spectrum, which interferes with the aiming mechanism of the threat, and the light flashes (8) are generated with various height, and/or lateral offsets, with respect to the object (9). Additional advantageous embodiments are specified below.

In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, the first embodiment is modified so that different heights and/or sides of the break-up flashes can be generated above and/or to the side of the object (9) by a plurality of munitions (4). In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, the first embodiment or the second embodiment is further modified so that the break-up height of the sub-munitions is in the range from about 1 to 15 m above the object (9).

In accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, which achieves the objects listed above, the first embodiment, the second embodiment and the third embodiment are further modified so that the height rises within the individual light flashes (8). In accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment, are further modified so that the height falls within the individual light flashes (8).

In accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention, which achieves the objects listed above, a launching apparatus (1), is provided for sub-munitions (6), or a munition (4) having sub-munitions (6) for jamming, for protection of an object (9) against a threat, in particular a missile, by interference, comprising launch barrels (2) which are aligned vertically upward, parallel to one another, on the object (9), wherein sub-clocking is carried out electronically in order to release the individual sub-munitions (6) and, associated with this, light flashes (8), and the light flashes (8) are generated with different height and/or lateral offsets with respect to the object (9). In accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention, the sixth embodiment is further modified so that munitions (4) or the sub-munitions (6) have interfaces (10) to the launching apparatus (1), via which they are initiated electrically or mechanically.

In accordance with an eighth embodiment of the invention, a munition (4) for protection of objects (9) against a threat, in particular a missile, by interference, comprising one or more sub-munitions (6) or jammers, wherein sub-clocking is carried out electronically in order to release the individual sub-munitions (6) and, associated with this, light flashes (8), and the light flashes (8) are generated with different height and/or lateral offsets with respect to the object (9). In accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention, the eighth embodiment is modified so that the munition is fired directly, without a casing, from a magazine (3) or a launch barrel (2). In accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention, the seventh embodiment or the eighth embodiment is further modified so that the munition (4) or sub-munitions (6) has/have a comparatively small caliber for vehicle protection munitions.

The present invention is based on the idea of absolute separation of the functions of camouflage and jamming. This makes it possible to use a small-caliber munition that deploys exclusively jammers. These jammers, or munitions, are preferably fired vertically in height and/or laterally by the vehicle (object) to be protected. For this purpose, the launch barrels are fitted and aligned vertically on the vehicle, or the object to be protected. An adequate light flash is produced in the relevant spectrum by initiation of a pyrotechnic charge, which initiation is clocked in time and is arranged offset in height, and the light flash interferes with the aiming mechanism of the approaching warhead. Alternatively, different heights of the break-up flashes above and/or to the side of the object can be generated by a plurality of munitions.

This measure for deployment of the jammers is deployed separately from other effects, such as smoke. The smoke munition, which can be fired separately, then does not itself need to carry out jamming. This allows a plurality of smoke bodies to be included in the actual smoke munition.

Launching is carried out electrically or mechanically, initiated by a small, compact launching apparatus, for example, from magazines. The sub-clocking for initiation of the individual light flashes is controlled by electronics. These electronics are preferably a component of the launching apparatus.

The advantages that result from this are a small launch design, with no aiming elements being required, and lower weight associated with this. Because of the lack of aiming elements, simple integration and a simple technical implementation are possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be explained in more detail using one exemplary embodiment and with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a launcher with a munition;

FIG. 2 shows the munition from FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 shows an integration option on, or to, a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a compact launching apparatus or a launcher 1 in a transparent form, preferably with a plurality of launch barrels 2, which are aligned upwardly parallel and form a magazine 3. One munition 4 is located in each of these launch barrels 2.

FIG. 2 shows the design of the munitions 4. The munition 4 comprises a casing 5 from which one or more sub-munitions 6 (jammers) are fired. Alternatively, the sub-munitions 6 (jammers) can be fired directly from the magazine 3, without a casing. The munition 4 or sub-munitions 6 has/have a comparatively small caliber for vehicle protection munitions, for example, 40 mm (medium caliber).

The munitions 4, or the sub-munitions 6, have interfaces 10 to the launching apparatus 1, via which they are initiated electrically or mechanically. The sub-clocking for initiation of the individual light flashes 8 is controlled by electronics 7. These electronics are preferably a component of the launching apparatus 1. In order to initiate the light flash or break-up flash 8, a plurality of sub-munitions 6 and/or a plurality of munitions 4 can be initiated, clocked in time, successively.

The break-up flashes 8 of the jammers 6 are generated spatially above the vehicle 9 (FIG. 3). The break-up height is preferably in the range of from about 3 to 15 m above the vehicle 9. In this case, the height rises within the individual light flashes 8. Firing is preferably carried out from the vehicle 9 vertically upward. A lateral break-up can thus be set, with the break-up taking place with decreasing height.

FIG. 3 shows an example of an arrangement of a launching apparatus 1 on a vehicle 9. The break-up flashes 8 are generated at heights of, for example, 4 m, 8 m, or 12 m above the vehicle 9. 

1. A method for protection of an object against a threat, in particular a missile, by interference, wherein the method comprises the steps of: (a) deploying one or more sub-munitions or jammers directly, or by means of a munition, either vertically, or sideways, or both vertically and sideways, with respect to the object from a launching apparatus; (b) carrying out sub-clocking electronically in order to release individual sub-munitions and, associated with releasing the individual sub-munitions, producing light flashes, wherein at least one light flash is produced in a relevant spectrum that interferes with an aiming mechanism of the threat, and the light flashes are generated with various different heights, or lateral offsets, or both various different heights and lateral offsets, with respect to the object.
 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the different heights, or sides, or different heights and sides, of break-up flashes are generated above, or to the side, or above and to the side, of the object by a plurality of munitions.
 3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a break-up height of the sub-munitions is in the range from about 1 m to 15 m above the object.
 4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the different heights rise within the individual light flashes.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the different heights fall within the individual light flashes.
 6. A launching apparatus for sub-munitions, or a munition having sub-munitions, for jamming in order to protect an object against a threat, in particular a missile, by interference, wherein the launching apparatus comprises: (a) launch barrels that are aligned vertically upward, parallel to one another, on the object; (b) one or more sub-munitions deployable from the launch barrels; and (c) electronics operable to electronically carry out sub-clocking in order to release individual sub-munitions and, light flashes are associated with the released individual sub-munitions, wherein release of the one or more sub-munitions generates the light flashes with different heights, or different lateral offsets, or with different heights and different lateral offsets, with respect to the object.
 7. The launching apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the munitions, or the sub-munitions, have interfaces to the launching apparatus (1), via which the munitions, or the sub-munitions, respectively, are initiated electrically or mechanically.
 8. A munition operable to protect an object against a threat, in particular a missile, by interference, the munition comprising: (a) one or more sub-munitions or jammers, wherein sub-clocking of the one or more sub-munitions or jammers is carried out electronically in order to release individual sub-munitions; and, associated with the one or more sub-munitions or jammers are light flashes, wherein the light flashes are generated with different heights, or different lateral offsets, or both different heights and different lateral offsets, with respect to the object when the one or more sub-munitions or jammers are released.
 9. The munition as claimed in claim 8, wherein the munition is operable to be fired directly, without a casing, from a magazine or a launch barrel.
 10. The munition as claimed in claim 8, wherein the munition has a comparatively small caliber for vehicle protection munitions, or the sub-munitions have a comparatively small caliber for vehicle protection munitions.
 11. The munition as claimed in claim 9, wherein the munition has a comparatively small caliber for vehicle protection munitions, or the sub-munitions have a comparatively small caliber for vehicle protection munitions.
 12. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein a break-up height of the sub-munitions is in the range from about 1 m to 15 m above the object.
 13. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the different heights rise within the individual light flashes.
 14. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the different heights rise within the individual light flashes.
 15. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the different heights fall within the individual light flashes.
 16. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the different heights fall within the individual light flashes. 